With the morning stretching ahead of her, Elissa found herself adrift, with nothing to fill the empty hours.

Laney, who had arrived the night before, noticed how lost Elissa seemed and offered a suggestion. “Want to catch a movie downstairs? There’s a good setup in the basement.”

“No, thanks,” replied Elissa, unable to summon the slightest interest. Her mind wandered so much that she felt weighed down. “Honestly, I just feel tired. I think I’ll take a bath.”

“Of course,” Laney nodded. “I’ll get the water running for you.”

A faint smile appeared on Elissa’s lips. “Thank you.”

Inside the bathroom, Elissa stood beside the tub and stared at the rippling water, her thoughts tangled and restless.

Later, when Hadley stopped by, it was Laney who went to answer the door.

“Good morning, Miss Pearson.”

“Hi, Laney,” Hadley replied with a quick smile. She then moved closer, concern written on her face. “How’s Elissa holding up?”

Hadley hadn’t been able to stop worrying, so she decided to visit as soon as Joy was in class.

Laney managed a strained smile. “She’s alright,” she answered, though her tone held back what she truly felt. Working for Ernest meant she needed to choose her words carefully, especially about Elissa.

She gestured toward the stairs. “With the pregnancy, she’s been low on energy. Right now, she’s soaking in the bath.”

As they walked, Laney kept leading the way. “She’s been in there a good while. I think she should be finishing up soon.”

When they reached the door to the master bedroom, Laney gave it a few knocks. “Miss Holland, have you finished your bath? Miss Pearson has come to see you.”

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No sound came from the other side.

“She’s likely still in the bathroom,” Laney said with a polite smile. “Let’s step inside and check. Miss Holland, we’re coming in now.” After giving her warning, Laney opened the bedroom door.

No one was inside.

Without missing a beat, Laney moved toward the bathroom. “Please wait here, Miss Pearson. I’ll see if she’s there.”

Hadley agreed and took a seat on the sofa.

A sudden shriek then rang out from the bathroom. “Miss Holland! What’s wrong? Please, Miss Holland, don’t frighten me like this! You have to wake up!” The panic in Laney’s voice sent a chill through the room. In a trembling shout, she called out, “Miss Pearson! Hurry! Please get in here—something’s not right!”

Hadley’s heart pounded as she jumped to her feet and sprinted toward the bathroom. “What happened?”

She froze at the doorway.

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